Best Internet Deals for Seniors – CNET

According to Pew Research Center surveys, 75% of adults, 65 and over, use the internet, and 64% use their home broadband connection. These numbers have risen steadily over the past decade, becoming more pronounced after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The need to be online is imperative, but too often, the price of a reliable internet connection can be steep. That’s an amplified problem if you’re a retiree on a fixed income. How can you find cheap internet deals for people over 65?

To help you decide which internet deal is best for you, we compiled a list of the top internet discounts based on cost, added fees, service details and military status and provided you with our top picks.

What’s the cheapest internet service for older adults?

Our top picks for the cheapest internet for seniors are Xfinity’s Internet Essentials and Astound Broadband’s Internet First plan. Both plans offer a 50 megabits per second plan for $10 monthly, targeted at low-income households and people over 65 who participate in Medicaid or SSI. With no data caps or required credit checks, these plans are perfect for people who want affordable options.

However, the best internet deal for you depends on the one available at your address and that caters most to your specific needs.

Best internet deals and discounts for seniors

How does internet access benefit older adults?

For many people, browsing online is a way of life. Gaming, streaming and staying connected through social media isn’t just a habit — it’s a need. However, some older generations may be more apprehensive about getting online, especially with the never-ending developments and changes in technology that occur so frequently.

Internet access can benefit seniors in many ways, including social connection and mental stimulation. Also, with medical alert systems just a tap away, internet access can provide a safe and quick way to reach out in an emergency.

Tips for choosing the best internet plan for seniors

Start with government programs

Unlike your local diner, internet service providers don’t really offer senior discounts. But older people do need affordable internet service. Some ISP-specific deals are worth exploring, but your best bet is to begin by taking advantage of federal programs. One in particular jumps to mind and has been around since 1985.

You should begin with Lifeline, a program that’s been around for decades and can help eligible customers with their phone or internet bills. While it’s not specifically geared to older citizens, several of its qualifiers — including participation in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit — apply to seniors. Lifeline is also geared toward helping low-income households, so retirees on an especially tight, fixed income, including those in Federal Public Housing Assistance or those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, might also be able to participate. 

What do you get if you do qualify? Older people can get up to $9.25 a month off their internet bill for $111 a year off the cost of being connected at home.

Try to avoid scams

Beware of some ISP sites’ “senior deals” pages. Many are just glorified ads masquerading as helpful tips. They’re trying to sell you on higher-speed plans instead of showing you legitimate discounts or unveiling special deals. Use some discernment as you shop.

Also, be sure to pay close attention to the fine print. If a “senior deal” doesn’t explicitly mention data caps or additional fees, you might see some extra charges added to your bill. Know exactly what you’re paying for before you buy.

How can older adults stay connected online?

Two essential elements are required to stay connected online: a device for internet access and a reliable internet connection. Whether you opt for a cellphone, computer or tablet, accessing the internet from your household requires a service plan. While there are multiple providers and options, the right fit for you depends on availability and what type of internet plan you’re looking for.

What are the best social media apps for seniors?

Email is one of the most popular online tools that older generations utilize. It is a great option for efficiently communicating back and forth with loved ones, regardless of distance.

Unlike email, social media outlets like Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube won’t come already downloaded onto your phone. But these three apps make it easy for older people to interact with family and friends.

What’s the easiest way for seniors to get internet on their phones?

To access the internet on your phone, you have two options: connecting to a home internet server or visiting a location that provides local Wi-Fi.

Some providers offer a phone and internet bundle if you want a phone plan and a household internet service. Companies like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile offer plans that combine the two to save you money.

How CNET chose the best internet deals for retirees

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this information, we ask three main questions:

• Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
• Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
• Are customers happy with their service?

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. To explore our process in more depth, visit our explainer on how we test ISPs. 

What’s the final word on senior internet deals?

Older adults have access to various deals and discounts regarding home internet connection. Some companies, like Xfinity, Optimum, Spectrum and Cox Communications, offer plans exclusively for people over 65, but others are more targeted toward low-income households.

The government program Lifeline is also a way to get money knocked off your monthly broadband bill. Even if you’re unsure whether or not you’re eligible for this program, it’s worth checking out.

But if you’re looking for speedier plans, the option to bundle television or mobile devices with your internet, or if cost is not a major concern, be sure to explore all of your options before making a final decision. Pay attention to added fees, service terms and the fine print to maximize your savings and avoid being scammed.

Internet deals and discounts for seniors FAQs

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